After watching tons of your videos, I finally figured it out. If you’re reviewing a Tecsun, it’s “the only thing better than a Tecsun is the next Tecsun”. If you’re reviewing another brand, it’s “it’s a good radio but it sucks, buy a Tecsun.”
I haven't owned a multi-band receiver in a long time and started to look at this radio as a possible purchase. Many reviewers have criticized the price, and the radio seems costly for what it offers. I have no issue dropping money on quality products that work well, but I've been reluctant to drop the hammer on this radio. If you see this comment, answer me this, if you'd be so kind: In your opinion, what is the most feature rich and functional receiver under a $1,000 price point. Thank you. Edit: It need not be a portable. Desktop is fine, too.
For portables, on Shortwave, it is easily the Eton E1XM, the ORIGINAL, not the re-released version. Far exceeds any portable for shortwave listening., Keep in mind that Longwave, medium wave (typical AM), and FM, it is not so good for, but there are very good portables for $60-$100 for standard AM/FM reception, and I don't really think people are listening much to longwave anymore. I have all the best performing portables (Sony 2001/2010, ICF-SW-55, ICF-SW77, Grundig Satellit 700, Panasonic 865, Tecson 501x, Sangean ATS-909, ATS-909X, ATS-909X2, Eton E1XM original) and the Eton E1XM just makes shortwave listening a joy and pleasure to use because it locks on to a signal and significantly reduces the fading in and out that shortwave typically experiences, making shortwave listenable. The only portable I don't yet have my hands on that I am looking at is the Malahit DSP2, it is a different category of radio (a software defined radio), but, feature wise, looks to have much more functionality than any portable, not sure how good it is performance wise, but it looks like a modernized radio with a touchscreen, built-in rechargeable battery, and a feature set that far exceeds any portable on the market today (the noise reduction is supposed to be phenomenal).
I have a version 0.70 which I just sent to Sangean for software update. The feature that I find most problematic is that when it does an ATS scan, it can only save 9 stations. I prefer the Tecsun ALL Bands ATS scan with one button touch. The Sangean asks for start point, end point, and then start => you have to press multiple buttons to do a simple scan that it can ONLY save 9 stations per scan. I do not find any other issues with the radio. I do very much dislike not being able to do an ALL BANDS scan that would save many stations in one scan like the Tecsun radios. I am not an user of SSB listening, so I am not concerned with short comings on SSB. I really like the wheel in the front of the radio and dislike the lack of texture of the volume knob. I do like the radio and use it daily. Not a perfect radio, but it is a nice radio.
I have a 909x2. I’m deciding if I’m going to keep it. I like the radio but I have a problem with it. I hear tones on some AM frequencies. I tried another sample of the radio. Same issue. I like just about everything else about the radio. It’s very easy to tune. The FM RDS is excellent. I discovered a great feature of the RDS. If the MW stepping is set to 9 khz, then the format displayed for an FM RDS station is geared to the European standard. If the MW stepping is 10 khz, then the format displayed is set to the North American standard.
I am so upset right now. I sent a Sangean ATS 909x to Sangean Corporation in Santa Fe Springs, California on Feb 19, 2024. The received the radio and called to inform me that they made the repairs. Over the phone they billed by debit card for $100.00 and then $12.00 for shipping. I got the radio in the mail yesterday and was so excited. Sat down on the couch and put batteries in it and it would not power up. They sent the radio back and did not actually repair it. They told me that it worked just fine. But I don't think they even touched the radio. Tomorrow I have to call them to find out what happened. I hope they don't give me a run around or lie to me. Has this ever happened to anyone?
Yes, I recently purchased this model, so I am not experienced enough yet to rate it, but I really appreciate your radios. I agree that the air band is better left to a dedicated scanner. The RDS is nice too.
I just boght the 909X2, I'm waiting for arrival but crossing the street I have super high power lines (towers) Do you think this is going to affect my experience with this radio? As always thanks in advance for your answer,..
I am retired and looking for a short wave radio and can spend up to $300 things I like it to have is sb,lw,mw,sw and air mode would like it to be able to use alkaline batteries so is this a good one for me or is there a better one.Thanks
I haven't seen the circuitry, but perhaps it uses an asymmetrical I.F. filter. I.F. filters with bad symmetry is a well known problem. This makes the upper and lower side bands sound different.
I got the same exact radio with ver 70 for $220 I'm happy. You can buy a BT transmitter and play audio through a 100W bt speaker. I'm using a long wire.
Hej Gill thanks for the video and your opinions about this radio here it is very nice weather today. It is 18 ℃ so nice and perfect to sit outside and listen to the radio. And I really enjoy the Tecsun PL-330 a lovely radio take care and have a nice day.
I got mine today! -- i have a "new" issue nobody has mentioned! - the audio/volume on AM FM and USB are pretty equal, but the volume on LSB is lower!! - is that an issue or is it normal? greets, Levi in Sweden
There are quite a few people that mention that LSB has lower volume, it does seem not all of them, if its still good enough for your listening , not a problem, if you find it really way too low then you might want to contact Sangean
Think I'm all done with these traditional type radios, glad I didn't buy this one cause now I'm loving the portable Malachit SDR and RSPdx. The Malachit has an amazing array of flexible options, way more than this Sangean . When travel comes back it'll be the Malachit and possibly the Xhdata D-808 I'll be packing. Thing about this Sangean is it looks good but looks aint everything as we've subsequently found out.
Hello my friend.well what to say I believe as to this review you Simply have a bad unit q c wise I don't have the issues you have and as I value your opinion . however your review is so very different then radio Jay Allen that I can't help but believe you have a faulty unit. Also if you are ever in the Springdale pa. Area please feel free to come bye. 5 yrs. Ago I heard you say you have a radio on your wish list. I have that radio here for you. It is 19 yrs old but works good in every way. It is the Sony icf 7600.gr. Please feel free to stop by. My North America shortwave radio and toy robot museum here in Springdale pa. 61 receivers and 86 toy robots. Thank you for everything you do for radio. Ronald. Zuccala.
I don't like Sangean as a brand. Too many problems with too many models and all for too much money. I love learning about them, but they aren't getting my money. Give me something more serious.
After watching tons of your videos, I finally figured it out. If you’re reviewing a Tecsun, it’s “the only thing better than a Tecsun is the next Tecsun”. If you’re reviewing another brand, it’s “it’s a good radio but it sucks, buy a Tecsun.”
At the beginning of the video is Radio Romania International. Incredible!
I haven't owned a multi-band receiver in a long time and started to look at this radio as a possible purchase. Many reviewers have criticized the price, and the radio seems costly for what it offers. I have no issue dropping money on quality products that work well, but I've been reluctant to drop the hammer on this radio. If you see this comment, answer me this, if you'd be so kind: In your opinion, what is the most feature rich and functional receiver under a $1,000 price point. Thank you. Edit: It need not be a portable. Desktop is fine, too.
For portables, on Shortwave, it is easily the Eton E1XM, the ORIGINAL, not the re-released version. Far exceeds any portable for shortwave listening., Keep in mind that Longwave, medium wave (typical AM), and FM, it is not so good for, but there are very good portables for $60-$100 for standard AM/FM reception, and I don't really think people are listening much to longwave anymore. I have all the best performing portables (Sony 2001/2010, ICF-SW-55, ICF-SW77, Grundig Satellit 700, Panasonic 865, Tecson 501x, Sangean ATS-909, ATS-909X, ATS-909X2, Eton E1XM original) and the Eton E1XM just makes shortwave listening a joy and pleasure to use because it locks on to a signal and significantly reduces the fading in and out that shortwave typically experiences, making shortwave listenable. The only portable I don't yet have my hands on that I am looking at is the Malahit DSP2, it is a different category of radio (a software defined radio), but, feature wise, looks to have much more functionality than any portable, not sure how good it is performance wise, but it looks like a modernized radio with a touchscreen, built-in rechargeable battery, and a feature set that far exceeds any portable on the market today (the noise reduction is supposed to be phenomenal).
I have a version 0.70 which I just sent to Sangean for software update. The feature that I find most problematic is that when it does an ATS scan, it can only save 9 stations. I prefer the Tecsun ALL Bands ATS scan with one button touch. The Sangean asks for start point, end point, and then start => you have to press multiple buttons to do a simple scan that it can ONLY save 9 stations per scan. I do not find any other issues with the radio. I do very much dislike not being able to do an ALL BANDS scan that would save many stations in one scan like the Tecsun radios. I am not an user of SSB listening, so I am not concerned with short comings on SSB. I really like the wheel in the front of the radio and dislike the lack of texture of the volume knob. I do like the radio and use it daily. Not a perfect radio, but it is a nice radio.
I have a 909x2. I’m deciding if I’m going to keep it. I like the radio but I have a problem with it. I hear tones on some AM frequencies. I tried another sample of the radio. Same issue. I like just about everything else about the radio. It’s very easy to tune. The FM RDS is excellent. I discovered a great feature of the RDS. If the MW stepping is set to 9 khz, then the format displayed for an FM RDS station is geared to the European standard. If the MW stepping is 10 khz, then the format displayed is set to the North American standard.
This was a very informative video! Thanks. Since the price is now well below $300 on Amazon I lean toward the909x2
I just ordered one, 260-euro here in Sweden - (but some stores take well over 300-euros for it!)
260 euros? Where so you find it? Thank you.
I am so upset right now. I sent a Sangean ATS 909x to Sangean Corporation in Santa Fe Springs, California on Feb 19, 2024. The received the radio and called to inform me that they made the repairs. Over the phone they billed by debit card for $100.00 and then $12.00 for shipping. I got the radio in the mail yesterday and was so excited. Sat down on the couch and put batteries in it and it would not power up. They sent the radio back and did not actually repair it. They told me that it worked just fine. But I don't think they even touched the radio. Tomorrow I have to call them to find out what happened. I hope they don't give me a run around or lie to me. Has this ever happened to anyone?
Sangean tend to use linear power supplies. Tecsun always provide a very noisy switched mode power supply, which I dump and use my 6V linear supply.
Yes, I recently purchased this model, so I am
not experienced enough yet to rate it, but I
really appreciate your radios. I agree that
the air band is better left to a dedicated scanner. The RDS is nice too.
I just boght the 909X2, I'm waiting for arrival but crossing the street I have super high power lines (towers) Do you think this is going to affect my experience with this radio? As always thanks in advance for your answer,..
I am retired and looking for a short wave radio and can spend up to $300 things I like it to have is sb,lw,mw,sw and air mode would like it to be able to use alkaline batteries so is this a good one for me or is there a better one.Thanks
I haven't seen the circuitry, but perhaps it uses an asymmetrical I.F. filter. I.F. filters with bad symmetry is a well known problem. This makes the upper and lower side bands sound different.
Gilles YOUR SANGEAN IS COOL IAM THINKING ABOUT GETING SANGEAN 909X2
I got the same exact radio with ver 70 for $220 I'm happy. You can buy a BT transmitter and play audio through a 100W bt speaker. I'm using a long wire.
Hej Gill thanks for the video and your opinions about this radio here it is very nice weather today. It is 18 ℃ so nice and perfect to sit outside and listen to the radio. And I really enjoy the Tecsun PL-330 a lovely radio take care and have a nice day.
Is this radio better than the Tecsun PL660
I got mine today! -- i have a "new" issue nobody has mentioned! - the audio/volume on AM FM and USB are pretty equal, but the volume on LSB is lower!! - is that an issue or is it normal? greets, Levi in Sweden
There are quite a few people that mention that LSB has lower volume, it does seem not all of them, if its still good enough for your listening , not a problem, if you find it really way too low then you might want to contact Sangean
@@OfficialSWLchannel ok, thanks, it is useable if one rise the volume a bit, anonther thing i would have like is knurling on the volume knob! . Levi
@@OfficialSWLchannel oh, and the radio doesen´t take the time signal via RDS...have to set it manually, strange....
It should be tuned Right on when listening to SSB....it is Important
I wish they would make A Shortwave SSB... with VHF Bands...so U can get VHF Air and Marine Bands
Think I'm all done with these traditional type radios, glad I didn't buy this one cause now I'm loving the portable Malachit SDR and RSPdx. The Malachit has an amazing array of flexible options, way more than this Sangean . When travel comes back it'll be the Malachit and possibly the Xhdata D-808 I'll be packing. Thing about this Sangean is it looks good but looks aint everything as we've subsequently found out.
Hello my friend.well what to say I believe as to this review you Simply have a bad unit q c wise I don't have the issues you have and as I value your opinion . however your review is so very different then radio Jay Allen that I can't help but believe you have a faulty unit. Also if you are ever in the Springdale pa. Area please feel free to come bye. 5 yrs. Ago I heard you say you have a radio on your wish list. I have that radio here for you. It is 19 yrs old but works good in every way. It is the Sony icf 7600.gr. Please feel free to stop by. My North America shortwave radio and toy robot museum here in Springdale pa. 61 receivers and 86 toy robots. Thank you for everything you do for radio. Ronald. Zuccala.
I have the Original Sangean 909x
I got the pl 330 already, much better deal than this pricey Sangean.
Surprised ANYONE is making SWL radios, let alone decent ones.
when conditions are good there are still a lot of stations on the band.
I don't like Sangean as a brand.
Too many problems with too many models and all for too much money.
I love learning about them, but they aren't getting my money. Give me something more serious.
Teardown Side by Side! :)
I had one.... but my ATS 803A was better in every way... traded the 909 away... they are way over priced imo....